MYLENE, our regular reader, asked what “Atlantean or esoteric tradition” means. Another reader earlier asked me if I knew anything about “lost civilizations like Atlantis and Lemuria.” She wanted to know if I believed such advanced civilizations existed.

“Atlantean” refers to an inhabitant or descendant of a legendary advanced civilization, “Atlantis.” Or it may refer to the culture, esoteric practices or mental abilities believed possessed by people of Atlantis.

It was Greek philosopher Plato (355 BC) who first wrote about Atlantis in his two dialogues “Critias” and “Timaeus.”

He said the story of Atlantis was first told to them by Solon, a Greek statesman and lawmaker who first heard about the existence of this great continent from Egyptian priests who kept records of its existence.

According to Plato, Atlantis was located “west of the Pillars of Hercules (Strait of Gibraltar).” It was larger than North Africa and Asia Minor combined. And beyond it lay a chain of islands that stretched across the ocean to another huge continent, which could be Lemuria.

Almost all commentaries and speculations about Atlantis are mere elaboration of the fascinating and dramatic story related by Plato.

There are as many people who believe in the reality of Atlantis as there are who dismiss it as mere product of fertile imagination.

Strong advocate

One of the strongest believers of the existence of Atlantis was a brilliant American lawyer and politician, Ignatius Donnelly, born in Philadelphia in 1831.

His book, “Atlantis, the Antediluvian World,” became an overnight sensation.

Among his conclusions were:

1. Atlantis really existed. It lies in the Atlantic Ocean, across from the mouth of Mediterranean Sea.

2. Plato’s description of this huge land is a historical fact, not fable.

3. Atlantis was where man first rose from barbarism to civilization.

4. It was the true Garden of Eden, the Elysian Fields.

5. That the gods and goddesses of the ancient Greeks, Phoenicians, Hindus and Sardinians were really the kings, queens and heroes of Atlantis.

6. That the oldest colony formed by the Atlanteans was probably Egypt.

7. That Atlantis perished in a terrible convulsion of nature sinking into the ocean with nearly all its inhabitants.

According to Donelley, the Mayas of Central America were descendants of Atlantis.

Well-known American psychic and prophet Edgar Cayce, who died in 1945, also talked about the existence of Atlantis while in a trance.

According to him, Atlanteans were a highly advanced people, technically, but they used their awesome mental faculties to create destructive weapons, possibly nuclear. This eventually destroyed them in a conflict with one another.

Other commentators speculated that it was the Atlanteans who built the pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge in England, and the step pyramids of Central America, given their very advanced technology. This advancement, they said, included the use of lasers, anti-gravity devices and quarts crystals.

I believe in Plato’s story.

For inquiries on books, paranormal services and seminars on Inner Mind Development, ESP and Intuition Development, and Soulmates, Karma & Reincarnation conducted by this writer, call 8107245 or 892-6806; fax 815-9890; e-mail jaimetlicauco@yahoo.com.